These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[{{#explode:Packing list for Paraguay| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Paraguay| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Paraguay| |5}}]] based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list!

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Paraguay and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Paraguay.

The standard for work attire in Paraguay is neat and professional, but not fancy. This "business casual" applies during pre-service training, as well as Volunteer service. Volunteers working in different professional capacities will need different sets of clothing, although, in general, Volunteers should be prepared to have a couple of good business casual-type outfits. For example, community economic development Volunteers and Volunteers working within the school system will need more clothes for an office setting than a Volunteer placed in a rural setting. Think in terms of comfort, versatility, and, most important, durability. Since there are extremes in weather, separates that coordinate well and that can be layered on or off as needed are useful. Remember that it gets really hot in the summer and, although it does not freeze in the winter, homes in Paraguay are not insulated and are drafty—imagine going camping in 40 F weather. It is a very good idea to bring a mummy-type sleeping bag for the cold (comes with a stuff sack, is lightweight, and easy to pack). Thick-soled shoes are best purchased in the United States because of price and quality, and men‘s sizes over 10 1/2 and women‘s sizes over 9 are difficult to find in Paraguay.

It is also important to consider the color of your clothing. Volunteers generally recommend darker colors because they are less likely to show dirt. However, Volunteers working in beekeeping will need light-colored work clothes, and education Volunteers working with teachers should bring navy blue pants or skirts and white shirts or blouses. Red and royal blue are the colors of the main political parties. Wearing these colors inside a municipality may have political implications. Business casual is recommended for community economic development and education and youth development Volunteers. For both men and women, simple, non-flashy clothing will open more doors and minds. Everything on the general clothing list applies to both women and men. Also, Paraguayans wear typical embroidered clothing called ao’poi for formal occasions, as well as business casual, which is very popular with Volunteers in Paraguay. Most Volunteers buy at least one ao’poi item of clothing during training.

Do not pack anything precious or expensive that you could not reasonably part from.

General Clothing

One or two long-sleeved shirts or flannel shirts for layering with sweaters and sweatshirts

Two winter sweaters/sweatshirts/fleece shirts

One medium jacket (fleece generally works great, but other lined, windbreaker jackets will work as well)

Hooded raincoat

Two or three pairs of shorts to wear around the house or for sleeping or exercising, etc. (shorts are not to be worn during training events or in the Peace Corps office)

Six to eight pairs of socks—include cotton and wool (at least one pair of Smart Wool socks is recommended)

Your favorite hat for sun protection (baseball hats work well, but wide-brimmed are best to keep the sun off your neck)

Warm hat and gloves and scarves for winter—a necessity!

For Women

Ten to 15 pairs of cotton underpants and five to 10 bras (including sports bras)

Four or five nice shirts (this may include blouses, some sleeveless, nice long-sleeve or short-sleeve)

Three or four lightweight, loose-fitting, knee-length skirts or lightweight pants (you should have at least one for nice occasions)

1-2 lightweight sun dresses

Something nice for swearing in and special occasions (this can include nice pants, a skirt and blouse or dress)

Three or four thick-strapped tank tops (tank tops should not be worn for training or professional activities)

Swimsuit (you will wear them at Volunteers events; Paraguayan women usually wear shorts and T-shirts to swim)

For Men

Dress shirt and tie for swearing in and other special occasions

Cotton underwear (boxers are difficult to find in Paraguay)

Three or four short-sleeved, button-down shirts with collars for work settings (they are cooler in the summer than T-shirts or polo shirts)

Three pairs of khaki-style pants

Two pairs of durable, dark-colored pants or jeans

Three to four short-sleeved, button-down shirts—if Volunteers don‘t have these, ao’poi shirts are a great substitution!

Swim trunks

Shoes

For women, one pair of flat shoes (in a basic color like black and with thick soles)

At least one pair of sandals for summer (sandals are not normally worn by men at work)

One pair of tennis shoes or all-terrain shoes, preferably in a dark color to hide the red dirt (good ones are expensive locally)

Flip-flops (available locally)

One pair of durable hiking or other boots (preferably waterproof) (optional)

For men, one pair of informal, closed-toe dress shoes

For men, the largest shoes most stores in Paraguay reliably carry are size 11.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

Contact lens solutions (available in Paraguay but very expensive)

Makeup (if you are picky about brands)

Good supply of tampons (only applicator-free tampons, pads, and panty liners are available locally)

Sunscreen (only if you have a favorite brand; the Peace Corps provides some)

Three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use (to last you until the Peace Corps orders refills)

Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them

Two or three bandannas or handkerchiefs (available locally)

Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash (one-month supply, three- to four-month supply if you are brand picky); while many brands are available locally, bring enough for pre-service training (three months) as time and money will be limited to allow for you to buy replacements

Kitchen

Travel bag or small daypack

Large backpack for longer trips (one with an internal frame is recommended)

Flashlight or headlamp, LED for longer battery life

Sunglasses with UV protection

Set of sheets to fit a double-sized bed (can also be purchased locally)

Community Economic Development

Rural Health & Sanitation

Please bring enough professional clothing (business casual) for pre-service training (six days a week), in-service trainings (3-4 days at a time) and one to two days a week in the school or health post.

1 pair of shoes you can work in, such as Chacos, good tennis shoes, or work boots